LITTLE JACK. 165

him ; I was very much affected with his history ; and sinee he
deserves so good a character, if you will part with him, J will
instantly take him into my service.” The master replied, that
he should part with him with great satisfaction to such an
excellent mistress ; that indeed the boy deserved all the com-
mendations which had been given, but since the other Jads had
such a habit of plaguing, and Jack was of so impatient a
temper, he despaired of ever composing their animosities. Jack
was then called, and informed of the lady's offer, which he
instantly accepted with the greatest readiness, and received
immediate directions to her house. Jack was now in a new
sphere of life. His face was washed, his hair combed, he was
clothed afresh, and appeared a very smart, active lad. His
business was to help in the stable, to water the horses, to
clean shoes, to perform errands, and to do all the jobs of the
family ; and in the discharge of these services he soon gave
general satisfaction. Ile was indefatigable in duing what he
was ordered, never grumbled, or appeared out of temper, and
seemed so quiet and inoffensive in his manner, that everybody
wondered how he had acquired the character of being quarrel-
some. Ina short time he became both the favourite and the
drudge of the whole family ; for speak but kindly to him, and
call him a little soldier, and Jack was at every one’s disposal.
This was Jack's particular foible and vanity ; at his leisure
hours he would divert himself, by the hour together, in poising
a dung-fork, charging with a broom-stick, and standing sentry
at the stable door. Another propensity of Jack’s, which now
discovered itself, was an immoderate love of horses. Jack was
never tired with rubbing down and currying them; the
coachman had scareely any business but to sit upon his box ;
all the operations of the stable were intrusted to Little Jack,
nor was it ever known that he neglected a single particular.